If you’re applying for a creative job, the limited layout options on Microsoft Word just won’t do it. While most hiring managers focus on the content of your resumé, art directors pay equal attention to its layout—so use Adobe InDesign or even Illustrator if you can.

Whatever program you decide to use, it’s best to save your résumé in PDF format so that your documents will look the same way as designed across all platforms.

You don’t have to worry about reading up on typographic trends just so you can find the most stylish ones to use on your résumé. The hottest typefaces might look refreshing, but the most important thing for any résumé is legibility. Stick to simple and readable fonts.

3. Use colors

Using color for non-creative related jobs might be a waste of time, but it’s a good way to express your individuality as a designer. You should, of course, practice some discretion when injecting colors into your documents. Make sure they complement each other well and don’t come across as garish.

4. Be brief

Save your life story for another occasion—it’ll be best if your résumé can fit on one side of an A4 piece of paper. Any longer than two pages might mean that there’s too much fluff. Also avoid sugar-coating your résumé with extravagant terms. “Clean, well-laid-out résumés will always win over flabby ones – remember, the aim is to intrigue.”

Do also direct your recipient to your online portfolio so that they can see more of your work.

Learn 12 more effective tips to designing a perfect résumé over on Creative Bloq.